Blog for Connecticut Ancestor Connections: Historical and Genealogical Research

NARA: Life in the Past Lane VII, “Electronic Scrapbooking" & More

2010-07-26T23:00:00.002-04:00

The Friends of the National Archives – Pittsfield, MA, will present its annual Full-Day Genealogy Conference, Life in the Past Lane VII, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the Williams Inn in Williamstown, MA. The day will include lectures by Jean Nudd, Leslie Albrecht-Huber, and Gregory Pomicter. The registration fee includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch, and a roundtable question and answer period hosted by a panel of experts. Vendors will be on hand to provide products of interest to genealogists. We will also have our popular free prize raffle. Complete program details and a printable registration form can be found at www.narafriends-pittsfield.org Call 413-236-3600 or email pittsfield.archives@nara.gov for further information or to receive a registration form by mail.
--
Sincerely,
Janet M. Rogge, President
Friends of NARA
10 Conte Drive
Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-236-3600 (NARA)
pittsfield.archives@nara.gov
www.narafriends-pittsfield.org
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Program:
8:00 AM Registration and browse the vendor booths; deposit tickets
9:00 AM for our free raffle (Coffee, tea, scones, muffins and danish)

9:00 AM Jan Rogge, Friends’ President
9:15 AM Welcome and conference information

9:15 AM Leslie Albrect Huber
10:15 AM “Get Organized! Take Control of Your Research Projects.”

Whether you’re spending a week at an archives or an afternoon at your computer, you can’t be effective without taking time to get organized – before, during, and after your research session.

10:45AM Gregory Pomicter
11:45 AM “Electronic Scrapbooking."

The lecture will demonstrate one way to collect, organize, and preserve family history documents and pictures in an electronic format. It also discusses the advantages and challenges in disseminating and preserving electronic media.

11:45 AM Luncheon – 3 choices, more details to come
1:00 PM

1:00 PM Leslie Albrect Huber
2:00 PM “Writing a Family History Your Family Will Want to Read.”

Tired of reading family histories that put you to sleep after one page? Learn some research and writing techniques that will make your family history a page-turner – without consigning it to the fiction section.

2:15 PM Jean Nudd, NARA Pittsfield
3:15 PM “Using Footnote.com.”

Footnote.com is digitizing a large number of NARA’s microfilm holdings; find out what’s available and how to utilize the site from home or at the National Archives.

3:30 PM Roundtable
4:30 PM Bring your questions and ask the experts or feel free to
browse the vendor booths.

Samuel Huntington’s Birthday Norwich, CT

2010-07-25T00:33:00.001-04:00

July 25, 2010
Join the Norwich Historical Society for the 279th birthday of the first president of the Congress Assembled of the United States. The event begins on the Norwichtown Green and proceeds to historic Norwichtown Cemetery for the laying of the presidential wreath on the Huntington tomb. Please call the Historical Society for additional information at 860.886.1776. Event Begins @ 1:30

All the Comforts of Home: William Gillette’s 1890 Victorian Drawing Room Comedy

2010-07-23T21:36:00.002-04:00

Live Theater at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum and Gillette Castle State Park

Saturday and Sunday afternoons, July 24 through July 31, 2010

1:00pm outdoors at the park, 67 River Road. Free. Bring a blanket or chair if you'd like. 2:00pm indoors AC at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum 264 Town Street Free with $5 admission to museum

This is the second summer season for the East Haddam Stage Company’s 30-minute production of William Gillette’s 1890 Victorian Drawing Room Comedy, All the Comforts of Home. Adapted and directed by EHSCO’s Artistic Director Kandie Carle.

All the Comforts of Home is a fast-paced comedy set in the London home of well-to-do
banker, Mr. Pettibone, played by Westbrook actor Don Shirer. The merriment begins when he intercepts a letter he thinks is intended for his wife, Rosabelle, played by Farmington actress Virginia Wolf.

Hilarious complications revolve around mistaken identities, miss-communication and one ne’er-do-well nephew, Alfred Hastings played by Hartford actor Kenneth Lundquist Jr. Love triangles, squares and circles ensue with the addition of New Britain actress Rayah Martin in not one or two, but THREE roles as fickle Alfred’s love interest. Throw innthe mysterious Mr. Smythe and you have a raucous good time!

Who gets whom in the end? And just where does Mr. Bender stand with Miss Fifi Oritanski? Come join in the fun and see for yourself!

This production is presented by the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum with funding support from the CT Humanities Council. For more information, please visit www.EHSCO.org

Blog for Connecticut Ancestor Connections: Historical and Genealogical Research: The Life and Times of Nathan Hale

2010-07-22T00:51:00.000-04:00

Blog for Connecticut Ancestor Connections: Historical and Genealogical Research: The Life and Times of Nathan Hale

The Life and Times of Nathan Hale

2010-07-22T00:18:00.000-04:00

Hale's Birthplace, Coventry. Lithograph, E.C. Kellogg

Join us for the Nathan Hale SymposiumThe Life and Times of Nathan Hale Saturday, August 7th, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Connecticut Landmarks will present a symposium on the life and times of Connecticut State Hero, Nathan Hale. Walter Woodward, Connecticut State Historian, will be the keynote speaker of the symposium which will include presentations by Richard E. Mooney, Kevin M. Sweeney and M. William Phelps. Bruce M. Stave will moderate a panel discussion. The event will conclude with a reception and special tour of the Nathan Hale Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and evokes a sense of Connecticut's legendary patriotic and agrarian heritage. The house, built in 1776, belonged to the parents and family of Nathan Hale and is located on the only site he ever called home.

Symposium Location
First Congregational Church of Coventry
1171 Main Street
Coventry, CT 06238

Tour and Reception
Nathan Hale Homestead
2299 South Street
Coventry, CT 06238

Call today for reservations! 860.247.8996 x 23The registration fee is $50 each, or $40 for CTL members, which includes lunch.
Or, click here for a Symposium Brochure to mail in registration.

Details of Hale statue in bronze and Clay, Bela Lyon Pratt

Schedule
9:30 am - Registration & Coffee
10:00 am - The Hon. Rob Simmons, Welcoming Remarks
10:15 am - Walter W. Woodward Lecture
10:45 am - Richard E. Mooney Lecture
11:15 am - M. William Phelps Lecture
11:45 am - Panel Discussion
12:30 pm - Lunch (included)
1:15 pm - Kevin M. Sweeney Lecture
2:00 pm - Travel to Hale Homestead
2:30 pm - 18th-Century Military & Farming Demonstrations, Tours & Reception
4:30 pm - Symposium Ends

The Lectures:
The Burning Issue About Nathan Hale
by Walter W. Woodward
The Connecticut State Historian will be the keynote speaker of the symposium. Woodward is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Connecticut and author of Prospero's America: John Winthrop, Jr., Alchemy, and the Creation of New England Culture, 1606-1676.

Nathan and Me: What I Learned from Nathan Hale
by Richard E. Mooney
Mooney is the former Executive Editor of the Hartford Courant, correspondent and member of the editorial board of the New York Times and curator of Nathan Hale: Yale, 1773, an exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the hero's birth (www.library.yale.edu/mssa/exhibits/hale/).

Hale, His Life & Legacy: Separating Fact From Fiction
by M. William Phelps
Phelps is an investigative journalist and author of the recent biography, Nathan Hale: The Life and Death of America's First Spy.

The Hales' Homestead: Material Life in Colonial Connecticut
by Kevin M. Sweeney
Sweeney is a Professor of American Studies and History at Amherst College and author of Captors And Captives: The 1704 French And Indian Raid on Deerfield.

Panel Moderator:
Bruce M. Stave is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and Director, Oral History, at the University of Connecticut. Stave is a resident of Coventry and author of Mills and Meadows: A Pictorial History of Northeast Connecticut.

Denison-Gallup wedding reenactment, Mystic, CT, August 21, 2010

2010-07-16T20:28:00.003-04:00

August 21, 2010: Denison-Gallup wedding reenactment and Denison Society annual meeting. Denison-Gallup wedding reenactment of Mercy Gallup to William Denison and Denison Society Annual Meeting.

10 AM – Business meeting of Denison Society in DPNC building, Noon– Joint Gallup and Denison Societies catered lunch under a tent in our meadow or side lawn. Afternoon– Reenactment of Mercy Gallup marrying William Denison, Tours of Homestead, Reservations will be required to rent enough chairs, tent size, order food etc.

William and George were brothers and grandsons of Captain George. William married Mercy Gallup on May 10, 1710. George married Lucy Gallup on June 4, 1717. Mercy and Lucy were sisters. George built the Homestead as a gift for his new wife .

We are located at 120 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic, CT 06355.
Our mailing address is PO Box 42, Mystic, CT 06355.
Phone:1-860-536-9248
Fax:1-860-536-9248
Email:membership@denisonsociety.org

Directions
From I-95, take Exit 90 (the Mystic Seaport and Aquarium exit). Turn north onto Route 27. Go 0.4 miles and turn right onto Jerry Browne Road. Continue 1 mile to the stop sign. Turn Right onto Pequotsepos Road. The museum is half a mile down the road, on the right-hand side. Watch for the brown signs pointing the way to the Denison Homestead.

Parking is available at either the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center lot across the road (on your left before you get to the Museum), or in a lot/field just beyond the Museum on the right.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE: If you are traveling from a distance and will need a hotel, motel, or B&B, you should make reservations well in advance since this area is one of the top ten tourist destinations in the nation. Reasonably priced rooms are at a premium. For information on places to stay in the area please contact the Mystic Chamber of Commerce either at their website or by calling (860) 576-9578.

Pittsfield, MA NARA: Ethnic Heritage Day, Sat., August 28, 2010

2010-07-16T19:43:00.001-04:00

The Friends of the National Archives - Pittsfield and the National Archives Northeast Region at Pittsfield present Ethnic Heritage Day, Sat., August 28, 2010 from 9am-2pm.

We will have 5 of our ethnic experts on-hand for 15-minute consultations to help with that difficult to trace ancestor. The experts and ethnicities are: Michelle LeClair: French-Canadian; Peter Sisario: Italian; Lisa Dougherty: Irish; Elsie Saar: German and Alan Horbal: Polish. The Microfilm Reading Room will also be available for researchers' use during the day and volunteers will be available for assistance. Please visit our website http://www.narafriends-pittsfield.org to download the registration form and more information.

--
Sincerely,
Janet M. Rogge, President
Friends of NARA
10 Conte Drive
Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-236-3600 (NARA)
pittsfield.archives@nara.gov

www.narafriends-pittsfield.org

Murder at Darling Hill [Stonington, CT]

2009-10-23T21:21:00.003-04:00

November Second Sunday
Murder at Darling Hill

Was Justice Served? You decide.

Sunday 8 November, 2pm
Stoneridge Retirement Community Auditorium
186 Jerry Brown Road, Mystic
Judith duPont has written an historical account that reads like murder-mystery fiction. But the facts are these: in the evening hours of 19 April, 1874, 17 year-old Irvin Langworthy was murdered in his home on Darling Hill in Stonington (near where present Route 1 ascends what is now know as Lord's Hill). An attempt was also made to kill his older brother, Courtland, who was found in his bed in a pool of blood. Suspicion almost immediately fell upon hired farm-hand Bill Libby, but there were some who suspected the Langworthy family.

The brutal murder led to sensational newspaper coverage in the New London Evening Telegram, the Mystic Press and the New York Times. The case was tried in New London County Courthouse and Libby was given a life sentence. But was he guilty? Join us as we look more deeply into this case and we learn more about the community as we see how they reacted to the ongoing saga.

Buy a copy of the book, $15, at the Shaw Mansion, at the Stonington Historical Society, or at Bank Square Books in Mystic; or borrow a copy from your local library and read it before Judith's presentation so you'll be able to judge all of the evidence. (Stoneridge residents can obtain copies of the book from Jack Kurrus.)

Free for members, Stoneridge residents and their guests
$5 for others Free Parking is available.

Founded in 1870, the New London County Historical Society is the oldest historical organization in eastern Connecticut. The Shaw Mansion, located near the intersection of Bank and Tilley Streets in New London, has been our home since 1907.
Edward Baker Executive Director 860.443.1209

CPGC Annual Meeting at the Connecticut State Library, Van Block Building

2009-10-23T16:19:00.002-04:00

Connecticut Professional Genealogist Council, Inc.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 10:00 a.m.
Annual Meeting and Luncheon
75 Van Block Avenue, Hartford, CT

Topic: Connecticut State Library Holdings at the Van Block Building

All are welcome including guests! Please bring something for our usual potluck lunch. There is places for folks to eat in a lunch room of sorts, and a microwave.

Speaker: Mel Smith will discuss new changes regarding this facility and new materials that are now stored here. Tour is being arranged.

The Van Block Facility is a limited access facility open for events or by appointment only.

See Directions Below at CSL website.

Most meetings are held in Hartford the first Tuesday of the month except for Jan. July & Aug.
---

Deborah Tajmajer, CPGC Email List Distributor
AncestorConnect@aol.com

Budget Holdbacks for the CT State Library Databases

2009-10-23T16:16:00.001-04:00

Changes to iCONN Databases

Due to recent budget holdbacks, the State Library does not have sufficient funds to support all the iCONN databases that are currently being offered. As a result, effective November 1, we will be discontinuing all ProQuest newspapers except the Hartford Courant and the Historical Hartford Courant. These two newspapers are the most heavily used newspapers in iCONN.

All libraries will continue to have access to the New York Times (1985 – present), Christian Science Monitor (1996 – present), and London Times (7/1985 – present) through Gale. In addition, academic libraries will continue to have access to the Wall Street Journal through ABI Inform. Access to the Boston Globe was previously eliminated due to budget cuts.

On November 1, the Newspaper link on the new iCONN start page will go to a Web page that will present individual links to all newspapers that will continue to be available through iCONN.

We regret having to discontinue access to these resources but the current budget situation makes it necessary.

As of November 1st, Connecticut residents will have access to:

Christian Science Monitor (Gale) (1996 – )*
Hartford Courant (ProQuest) (1992 – )
Hartford Courant Historical (ProQuest) (1764-1922)
London Times (Gale) (1985 – )*
New York Times (Gale) (1985 – )*

* All of this content is also integrated into the federated search.

In addition to the above, academic libraries will continue to have access to the Wall Street Journal because it is part of ABI Inform, which we license separately for academic libraries.

-----------------------

Source: CSL email.

Connecticut State Library to Twitter lines from Witchcraft Documents

2009-10-10T16:38:00.001-04:00

Connecticut State Library to Twitter lines from Witchcraft Documents

Twenty people were accused of witchcraft in Connecticut during the seventeenth century, thirteen in the Hartford witchcraft outbreak of 1662-1663 and seven during the Fairfield outbreak of 1692-1693. Seven of those were tried and four were executed. The Samuel Wyllys Papers at the Connecticut State Library contains documents from these trials. The Matthew Grant Diary established the identity of the first person executed as a witch in New England. During the month of October, the Connecticut State Library will be posting lines from these documents on Twitter. You can follow us at http://twitter.com/LibraryofCt or find us using #CTwitch.

21st Century Core Genealogical Resources

2009-10-10T16:30:00.001-04:00

Genealogy Club of Newtown, 7 pm, C.H. Booth Library, a talk by Thomas J. Kemp, director of Genealogy Products for NewsBank, on "21st Century Core Genealogical Resources;" visitors and new members welcome; information, call 270-7887.

Tom will demonstrate the core online resources that we can use to locate detailed information about ancestors and distant relatives. His presentation will cover Internet sources for searching books, documents and microfilm, newspapers, government reports, and family genealogy records.

The Moodus Drum & Fife Corps will host it's 2009 annual Muster

2009-10-10T16:18:00.001-04:00

Saturday, October 17, 2009, Moodus, Connecticut
MOODUS MUSTER The Moodus Drum & Fife Corps will host it's 2009 annual muster on Saturday the 17th of October with a fife and drum parade being held at 12 noon. The Muster will be held at the old Grange Hall on Town Street, East Haddam Ct.(intersection of Rt 151 and East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike). Camping is available, this is a closed muster. If you have any questions. please e-mail us using the contact section of the website.
....................................................................
If you are using a map program for directions please use the following address for the muster field:
499 Town Street, East Haddam Ct 06423 {First Church of Christ Congregational]

For more information please contact:
To be advised
Website: www.moodusdrums.com

Internship opportunities at the Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center

2009-10-10T16:08:00.002-04:00

Internship opportunities at the Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center
The Lebanon Historical Society is a small town not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of all aspects of the history of Lebanon, CT from its earliest inhabitants to the present day, with special emphasis on Lebanon92s role in the American Revolution. The Society owns and operates a modern museum and visitor center with exhibit galleries, collections storage facilities, a genealogical library and archives and education and program space. In addition, the Society maintains and provides access to three historic structures: the William Beaumont birthplace a Broom Shop and a smoke house. In 2010, the library building that Civil War governor, William Buckingham, donated to the Congregation Church will be moved to the historical society property.

Located on the historic Lebanon Green, the Society is part of the Lebanon History Consortium. This affiliation of humanities sites around the Green (Governor Jonathan Trumbull House & Wadsworth Stable [DAR], the War Office [SAR], Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. House [Town of Lebanon], First Congregational
Church, Jonathan Trumbull Public Library, and LHS) work together to develop public programming. The Consortium also works with the town to promote Lebanon’s Revolutionary War past.

The Historical Society has a paid staff of four including a professional museum director, collections manager, administrative assistant and museum assistant. Regular staff also includes a volunteer librarian and volunteer genealogist. A volunteer Board of Trustees and core group of other volunteer
s carry out many important tasks. However, as with most small non-profits there are far more tasks to be accomplished than people to complete them. Therefore, LHS has a well-established tradition of welcoming interns who have, over the years been valued contributors to our research, exhibits and programs.

As the 2009-10 academic year begins, the Lebanon Historical Society hopes to attract a new group of collegiate interns. Students majoring in history,education, general humanities, geography, anthropology or museum studies might find that we offer engaging and challenging opportunities. However, we have also provided successful internships for students in less obvious disciplines including graphic arts and computer science. Interns are generally incorporated into on-going projects that have been identified as institutional priorities. However, if someone has a specific project of personal interest to suggest, LHS staff are happy to discuss how we can work together.

Visit our website site at www.historyofLebanon.org. Interested students can reach us at 860-642-6579 from 9:00 to 5:00 weekdays or email us at museum@historyofLebanon.org

Donna Baron, Director
Lebanon Historical Society Museum located on the Historic Lebanon Green
856 Trumbull Highway, Lebanon, CT 06249

Connecticut at War

2009-10-10T15:43:00.002-04:00

Connecticut at War

Friday, November 13, 2009 – Saturday, November 14, 2009

Connecticut State Library

Governor William A. O’Neill State Armory

Manchester Community College

The Association for the Study of Connecticut History, Connecticut Militia Heritage Committee, Connecticut State Library, and Manchester Community College are pleased to present a one and one- half day conference on the experiences of Connecticut people with wars, spanning more than 350 years. The meeting is being held at the Connecticut State Library and Governor William A. O’Neill State Armory on Friday, November 13, 2009 and Manchester Community College on Saturday, November 14, 2009.

The conference will begin on Friday, November 13 with an opening program featuring Tom Callinan, Connecticut’s “1st Official State Troubadour” and Kevin Johnson with his moving portrayal of a former slave, “Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free.” It will be followed by tours, a keynote by David Corrigan on the 100th anniversary of the Governor William A. O’Neill State Armory, a plenary session on the Connecticut National Guard in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and a reception at the Officers’ Club of Connecticut.

Researchers will be discussing a variety of war related topics from the 17th to the 21st centuries on the Saturday portion of the program at Manchester Community College. The presentations will reflect several perspectives, including those of academic scholars, graduate students, historical society personnel, independent historians, and participants. The program features sessions on 17th century warfare, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Cold War, and 21st century conflicts. Some papers are autobiographical or biographical in focus, while others concern home front activities, wartime dissent, citizen soldiers, and veterans.

This conference is far reaching and expands beyond the bounds of anything previously attempted by any of the sponsoring organizations. It contains programs of interest to all Connecticut history enthusiasts and provides a unique opportunity for those interested in any aspect of wartime activity in this State to meet and discuss their common interests.

Conferences of this scope and magnitude are the result of the hard work of many people. Special thanks, however, are due to Connecticut State Librarian Kendall Wiggin, George W. Ripley III, chair of the Connecticut Militia Heritage Committee, and Manchester Community College and MCC President Dr. Gena Glickman for hosting and supporting this conference.

We are also extremely grateful to the Connecticut Humanities Council for its continued support of this and other ASCH programs.
Guocun Yang President, ASCH

“The Ackleys in East Haddam ”

2009-10-09T18:00:00.004-04:00

UPCOMING EVENTS AT
THE EAST HADDAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY

“The Ackleys in East Haddam ”
Wednesday, October 14, 7:30pm
a PowerPoint presentation

by Anita Ballek and Cat MacKinnon

--- at the Museum ---
Refreshments will be served!

Wednesday, November 11, 7:30pm

19th Annual Lecture

"Mysteries of East Haddam "

Lecture by Dr. Karl Stofko

--- at the Museum ---

Refreshments will be served!

Wednesday, December 9, 6-9pm

Christmas Potluck Supper!

EVERYONE WELCOME

--- at the Museum ---

http://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Haddam-CT/East-Haddam-Historical-Society-Museum/129350800501

East Haddam Barns: A Pictorial Survey

2008-10-07T21:37:00.002-04:00

East Haddam Barns: A Pictorial Survey By George Fellner The pastoral character of East Haddam is enhanced by a plethora of barn subject material. This is the fifth annual photo/essay presentation performed by local architect George Fellner and sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society and Museum.

Using his camera and lenses, Mr. Fellner searches for unique and stimulating representations of the built and natural environment,celebrating the history, architecture, and landscape of this quintessential Connecticut town. In this program, he reviews the basic history of barns, barn typology, and construction integrated with a series of visual case studies. The selected images portray a range of barn types, including old as well as recently constructed manifestations of the barn theme. As in previous programs, the intent is to evoke an appreciation of the past and to realize the relevance of the past within the context of the present!

East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
264 Town Street, East Haddam, CT
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 7:30pm
Refreshments will be served!

Fairfield County Loyalist Documents & Ghostly Encounters

2008-10-07T21:24:00.004-04:00

Connecticut Ancestry Society, Inc. Fall Program.

Fairfield County Loyalist Documents and Ghostly Encounters with Paul J. Bunnell, UE

Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 4:00
New Cannan Historical Society, 13 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT

The Revolutionary War was the first Civil War in this region, pitting brother against brother, and father against son. Paul began his own genealogy not expecting it would lead him to a soldier in the company of Benedict Arnold. He has since become a leading expert in the field of Loyalist studies and is the founder and editor of the Loyalist Quarterly, the only U.S. Loyalist newsletter devoted to that history.

This lecture is centered around the Loyalist ship, Union, and its passengers, many from Fairfield County who fled from New York City in 1783 for Saint John, Nova Scotia (New Brunswick) and their settlement at Kingston, New Brunswick. Paul will also discuss other families from the area and the type of documents you will find during research. His encounter with his Loyalist ancestors ghost in 1985 and the documents, photos and physic experiences that followed will shock you in what some
research can uncover.

Admission is free. However, please RSVP to Connecticut Ancestry Society with the number of attendees at (203) 778-4794 or via rlocke@ralii.com to ensure available seating. More information about Connecticut Ancestry Society can be found on our website.

19th-Century German Genealogy at Club in Newton, CT

2008-10-04T01:22:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday October 8, the Genealogy Club of Newtown will be holding it's October meeting. The meeting will be held at the Booth Library in Newtown at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. The speaker for this meeting is Dr. Richard Eppler.

Dr. Richard Eppler, Ph.D in Chemical Engineering and Physics, will speak about 19th century German genealogy and his success in tracing his ancestral line back to Wurtemburg in the early 1800's. Dr. Eppler first became interested in genealogy about thirty years ago. His topic will cover what you can learn here by using census records and vital records. His discussion will include relevant history of the German speaking peoples and how to access German records on the Internet. The program will conclude with how to read German church records written in German script. Time will be allowed for audience questions.

If you have any questions about membership in the Genealogy Club of Newtown, please let me know.

Jim Sanders
cteagle5@sbcglobal.net

Upcoming Course: Your Family Tree on the Internet

2008-09-18T00:47:00.003-04:00

A hands-on exploration of Internet resources. Discover how to grow your family tree with this modern tool. Exchange messages, with long "lost" relatives or connect with those researching your surname or locality. Learn how to access collections, databases, and locate government papers. Determine which sources are credible and how to keep track of your favorite web sites. We will spend all our time on genealogical related Internet sites each session. Students will use individual computers with time set aside each class to practice and explore favorite genealogical sites.
Instructor: Deborah Tajmajer

Begins: September 24 Wednesday 6:30-8:30 PM
Course #GC307
Address: Three Shaw's Cove, New London
Course Length: 6 weeks

You may sign-up on the New London Adult ED website or phone them. Ask for a catalog too as it will have directions, etc.

http://www.newlondonadulted.org/contact.htm Contact by phone: (860) 437-2385

http://catalog.newlondonadulted.org/viewProduct.cfm?item_id=687602

___________
If you have questions let me know!
Deborah Tajmajer,
Connecticut Ancestor Connections
AncestorConnect@aol.com
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"Thunder in the Valley"

2008-09-02T22:06:00.003-04:00

The Moodus Drum & Fife Corps will host it's Annual "Thunder in the Valley" annual Ancient Muster on Saturday the 18th of October 2008 with a fife and drum parade being held at 12 noon. The Muster will be held at the old Grange Hall on Town Street, East Haddam Ct. (intersection of Rt 151 and East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike). Each year twenty Fife and Drum Corps come to East Haddam to particiapte in this evnet! Groups come from New England, New York and New Jersey. There will be a picinic dinner availble with tickers for sale at event. The public is invited.

For mapping use this address: 499 Town Street, East Haddam Ct 06423. Camping is available.

The Moodus corps strives to maintain a tempo that is considerable slower than that used by most corps today and is representative of the values instilled by the cadre of Moodus drummers that have gone before. It is this magic sound that has brought the Moodus Drum and Fife Corps a long and honored history of playing before several U.S. presidents, numerous commemorative events, and musters from Maine to Michigan.

“Life in the Past Lane V”

2008-08-30T01:00:00.001-04:00

The Friends of the National Archives - Pittsfield proudly present their Fifth Full-Day Genealogy Conference “Life in the Past Lane V”
Saturday... September 20, 2008
Location:Williams Inn On the Green
Williamstown, Massachusetts

Program:
8:00AM - 9:00AM
Registration and browse the vendor booths; deposit tickets for our free raffle

9:00AM - 9:15AM
Jan Rogge, Friends’ President — Welcome and conference information

9:15AM - 10:15AM
Gregory Pomicter, NARA College Park, MD: "Electronic Scrapbooking." — The lecture will demonstrate one way to collect, organize, and preserve family history documents and pictures in an electronic format. It also discusses the advantages and challenges in disseminating and preserving electronic media.

10:45AM - 11:45PM
Horace Waters, NARA Waltham: "Finding Your Ancestors in Maritime Federal Records." — Using Customs, Coast Guard, Bureau of Marine Inspection, and Fish and Wildlife records, Horace examines what information on our ancestors is available and, using a case study based on his family research, how to find our ancestors. Examples include 19th and 20th century crew lists, fishing licenses, whalemen’s shipping papers and master mariners’ licenses.

11:45PM - 1:00PM
Luncheon — Vegetarian vegetable soup, rolls & butter with the choice of one entrée: Lemon & Herb Baked Chicken or Poached Salmon with Dill Sauce [each served with fresh seasonal vegetable] or Chef Salad with Italian Dressing (on the side); Hot Apple Crisp with Ice Cream Ball (Special needs can be met with advance notice)

1:00PM - 2:00PM
Linda Blaser, Conservator, National Park Service: "Preserving Your Family Papers." — Linda will give us specific information and techniques for preserving our family documents and photographs.

2:15PM - 3:15PM
Jean Nudd, NARA Pittsfield: "Navigating the Bureaucracy: Using Federal Websites." — This lecture presents five free Federal government websites and tells researchers what types of records and what specific information they can find in these databases. It also examines where additional resources can be found to support the information contained on these websites.

3:30PM - 4:20PM
Roundtable — Bring your questions and ask the experts or feel free to browse the vendor booths

Venture Smith Day: Connecticut Freedom Trail Event

2008-08-11T14:55:00.003-04:00

The 12th annual Venture Smith Day Festivities will be held at Venture’s gravesite in First Church Cemetery, 499 Town Street (RT. 151), East Haddam on Saturday, September 6th starting at 1 pm until approximately 4 pm as part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail events. The program will include the reading of a Proclamation, wreath placement ceremony, as well as the annual photo shoot of Venture’s family of descendants. East Haddam Municipal Historian, Karl P. Stofko, will be commenting on his recent research on Venture Smith, an African-American slave who purchased his freedom in 1765, as well as the situations concerning Marget Smith’s gravestone and the fate of Venture’s home site at Haddam Neck. The featured speaker will be Dr. Nancy Steenburg, professor of history at UCONN Avery Point Campus at Groton. She will talk about Venture’s life as a slave and freeman in Stonington.

Please bring a comfortable chair or blanket. In the event of inclement weather we will move into the church. There will be plenty of time to renew old friendships, talk with our speakers and Venture’s descendants and partake of light refreshments. All are invited.

A brief biography of Venture Smith: Born Broteer about 1729, the eldest son of King Saungm Furro of the tribe of Dukandarra in Guinea, West Africa, Venture was captured about 1736 in his seventh year and sold for “4 gallons of rum and some calico” at Anamabo on Africa’s Gold Coast to Robinson Mumford, the steward of a Rhode Island slave ship. He was renamed Venture, having been purchased by Mumford’s own private venture. He grew up as a slave on Fishers Island, New York, which was being leased by the Mumford family at that time. About 1750 he married Meg, another Mumford slave, by whom he had four children. After a failed escape attempt in 1754, Venture was sold to Thomas Stanton of Stonington Point, Connecticut. In 1760 he was purchased for the last time by Colonel Oliver Smith, also of Southington. Colonel Smith allowed Venture to purchase his freedom in 1765 and in return Venture took the name Smith as his surname.

Venture then lived and work on Long Island to raise the necessary money to purchase the freedom of his wife and children. During these years he labored at cutting wood, farming, fishing, and spent seven months on a whaling voyage. In 1774 Venture sold all his land on Long Island and in Stonington and moved his family to East Haddam. He then began purchasing land on Haddam Neck along the Salmon River Cove from Abel Bingham and others. By his industry his farm grew to 134 acres with three houses; twenty boats, canoes and sailing vessels; two fishing businesses and a commercial orchard. His entrepreneurial ventures included river trafficking, lumberjacking, carpentry and farming. All of this was accomplished without the ability to either read or write.

In 1798 Venture dictated his autobiography to teacher Elisha Niles, which was then published in pamphlet form by Charles Holt, editor of the New London Bee. It has been reprinted many times since then. It is the only slave narrative of the 18th century that recounts life in Africa. His life story has been an inspiration to many, both black and white, over the years. Venture died on September 19, 1805, a highly respected man by all in the Haddams. He was survived by his wife, two sons, Cuff and Solomon, and seven grandchildren. Several of his descendants still live in Connecticut.

Life in the Past Lane V at Pittsfield NARA

2008-07-18T21:52:00.002-04:00

The Friends of the National Archives – Pittsfield, MA, will present its annual Full-Day Genealogy Conference, Life in the Past Lane V, on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at the Williams Inn in Williamstown, MA.

The day will include lectures by Jean Nudd, Gregory Pomicter, Horace Waters, and Linda Blaser. The registration fee includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch, and a roundtable question and answer period hosted by a panel of experts. Several vendors will be on hand to provide products of interest to genealogists. Complete program details and a printable registration form can be found at www.narafriends-pittsfield.org/calendar.htm or by calling 413-236-3600.

Sincerely,
Janet M. Rogge, President
Friends of NARA
10 Conte Drive
Pittsfield, MA 01201
volunteers.pittsfield@nara.gov
www.narafriends-pittsfield.org

2008 Avery Memorial Association Reunion at Mashantucket Pequot Museum

2008-07-18T12:40:00.003-04:00

The Avery Memorial Association
will hold its annual meeting/reunion Saturday,July 19Th at Mashantucket Pequot Museum, 110 Pequot Trail,Mashantucket.

Registration starts at 10:00 A.M., with the meeting program between 10:30 A.M.- 12:30 P.M.

At 12:30 P.M., will be a buffet lunch and from 2:00- 4:00 P.M., the Pequot Museum Director will be giving the attendees a thirty minute Power Point presentation and talk/Q&A about the relationship with the Avery's and Pequot Tribe. Admission is separate from the reunion but attendees can get a reduced group rate of admission.

Activities are also planned for the Avery's the day before and after the reunion in the local area. Those at this late date should check on last minute reservation availability for Saturday luncheon with Mrs. Brustolon listed below or Mrs. Lantiere also listed below.

The Avery Memorial Association is a Groton,Connecticut; based organization that operates multiple historic sites. Membership consists of active Members descendants of descendants of Christopher Avery and a Friends category. Stephanie Lantiere is president and she can be reached at sglantiere@aol.com with general questions about the organization. Reunion reservations and membership queries should be made to Betty Brustolon, membership secretary, at 860-536-7236. Among notable Christopher Avery descendants are United States Vice Presidents Schuyler Colfax and Nelson Rockefeller. More info: www.averymemorialassociation.com

New Wing Opeing at the East Haddam Society Museum

2008-07-18T00:58:00.003-04:00

You are invited to attend THE GRAND OPENING of the
EAST HADDAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, NEW WING
264 Town Street, East Haddam, Conn.

featuring THE HEINZ WARNEKE EXHIBIT
on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 11am

Free Admission All Day!
This wing was built to accept a priceless gift--weighing 3600 pounds and standing 17 feet high--from East Haddam resident Joseph Clark. Mr. Clark, about to retire as Technical Director of the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC, felt that the "tympanum" (plaster model of the South Portal of Washington's National Cathedral, consisting of The Last Supper and The Road to Emmaus) by sculptor Heinz Warneke should be given to the EHHS for residents and visitors to enjoy. The work was created here in the Wickham Road studio of sculptor Warneke, where it resided for fifty years. Joseph Clark purchased Warneke's property from Warneke's daughter, Priscilla Waters Norton, whose son, Jonathan Waters, is also a sculptor. All three will be present for the opening of the New Wing and Heinz Warneke Exhibit.

President Charles Farrow, Vice President Mary Ellen Klinck, Museum Director George Drenga, the trustees and I would be honored by your presence. The curator for "Heinz Warneke, 1895-1983: East Haddam's Modernist Sculptor" is Laura Macaluso of Milford; her graphic artist is Jonathan Hunt of Manchester. The exhibit is made possible by a matching grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council.

Light refreshments will be served.

Please join us for this landmark occasion!

For reservations, please email asortland@snet.net or call 860-873-2832
Thank you!

--Bob Cumming, Executive Director

To locate the EHHS Museum From Route 9:
Take exit 7 off of Route 9. Go left at the blinker and right at the first traffic light (Route 82). After passing Goodspeed Opera House remain on Route 82 toward Gillette Castle. At the "T" with Route 151, go right for about one mile and see the EHHS sign on the left.

Planting Your Family Tree Online

2008-07-09T23:30:00.004-04:00

Connecticut Ancestry Society, Inc. and The Historical Collections Staff of the Bridgeport Public Library

Planting Your Family Tree Online
with Robert Locke
on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM
The Bridgeport Public Library
Burroughs-Saden Main Branch
925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

More genealogical records are being made available online every day. Distant cousins are connecting with each other, just an "e-mail" away. Join this "new age" by planting your own family tree online. Get that next generation excited about your family history.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., Robert Locke will demonstrate how dynamic,work-in-progress, publishing of your own tree on the Internet can bring connections from around the world knocking on your own "electronic door". It really is easier than you think.

Robert Locke has been teaching the practical use of technology for 27 years. He currently teaches for Red Hat, Inc., the world's most trusted provider of
Linux and open source technology, and is the webmaster for Connecticut Ancestry Society, Inc. and the Locke Family Association, Inc.

While the workshop is free to the public, please RSVP with the number of attendees to the Historical Collections Department at (203) 576-7417 or via email at mwitkowski@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org

History of the Valley Railroad

2008-05-12T19:25:00.002-04:00

A Cooperative Meeting of the Historical Societies
from Chester, Deep River, and East Haddam.

--- Held at the Chester Historical Society ---
9 West Main Street, Chester
(just east of the Chester Library)

Max Miller, Railroad Historian from Haddam
will present a program on the history of the Valley Railroad,
which served East Haddam with a stop at the far side of the bridge.

Free Admission! Refreshments Will Be Served!

Sunday, May 18, 2008, 3pm

More info: info@chesterhistoricalsociety.org

“The Village Smithy Speaks”

2008-05-12T16:17:00.001-04:00

East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
264 Town Street, PO Box 27
East Haddam CT 06423-0027

“The Village Smithy Speaks”
Presented by Dick Everett

Wednesday, May 14, 7:30pm

--- At the EHHS Museum ---
Free Admission for Members / $5.00 for Non-Members
Refreshments will be served!

"The Settlement of the Oblong" of CT and NY

2008-05-12T15:19:00.002-04:00

Connecticut Ancestry Society, Inc. Annual Meeting & Seminar

"The Settlement of the Oblong" How the boundary between New York and Connecticut was determined with Harlan Jessup at the Keeler Tavern Museum on Sunday, May 18, 2008 beginning at 2:00 PM

Everyone Invited & Welcome Free, but RSVP requested. Sponsored and refreshments provided by Ridgefield Historical Society & The Keeler Tavern Museum

Following a brief 15-minute annual business meeting, "Connecticut Ancestry" editor, Harlan Jessup, will uncover some of the mystery surrounding the settlement of the Oblong.

Who settled this narrow strip of "Equivalent Lands" which compensated New York for that part of Fairfield County which projects toward the Hudson River? North and South Salem were settled largely by Ridgefield
families, but further north there were only squatters who had no clear title to the lands. And not all the legitimate settlers came directly from Connecticut.

The Keeler Tavern Museum is located at 132 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut. Please RSVP with the number of attendees to the Ridgefield Historical Society at (203) 438-5821 or ridgefieldhistory@sbcglobal.net

Visit us at http://www.connecticutancestry.org for more details.

Also, check out an Irish Genealogical Workshop being held at the Bridgeport (CT) Public Library on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 10:30am. Details at http://www.connecticutancestry.org
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CT Vital Records Access

2008-02-26T15:10:00.003-05:00

Date: March 4, 2008, TUESDAY, 10 a.m.
Host: Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council, Inc. Meeting
Speaker: Elizabeth Frugale, State Registrar of Vital Statistics and Member of Town Clerk Certification Committee
Topic: CT Vital Record Access
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut

From CPGC website: "You do not have to be a member to attend any part of the meetings. Come and join us for genealogical education, sharing and fun. All meetings begin promptly at 10:00 am and include a business meeting and our featured program. We strive to end our meetings by 12:30, and some members have lunch together at nearby restaurants or bring lunch with them to the State Library (there is a cafeteria across the street at the Connecticut Education Association building, and meals are also available at the Legislative Office Building, across Capitol Avenue). Other events are listed here for your convenience,http://www.rootsweb.com/~ctpgc/schedule.html but CPGC does not take any responsibility for errors or omissions."
-----------------------------------------
DirectionsEmanuel Lutheran Church is located on the corner of Capitol Avenue and Hungerford Street; directly across the street from the State Armory and Legislative Office Building. 860-525-0894. Some parking available at the church lot and on street. Directions are from the church's website:

From the West via Interstate 84:
As you approach downtown Hartford, take exit 48B (Capitol Avenue). Stay in the right-hand lane. At the end of the exit turn right at the stop light onto Capitol Avenue. Emanuel is on your left-hand side at the next traffic light. Turn left onto Hungerford Street and enter the church parking lot on your right.

From the East via Interstate 84:
Take Exit 48 (Asylum Avenue) and stay in the middle lane as you approach the traffic light. Take a right onto Asylum Avenue. At the next traffic light take a left onto Broad Street. Proceed to the traffic light and take a left onto Capitol Avenue. Emanuel will be on your right at the end of the first block. Turn right onto Hungerford Street and enter the church parking lot on your right.

From North and South via Interstate 91:
Take the "Capitol Area" exit off Interstate 91 (this will be the left lanes coming from the south). Follow exit to traffic circle (Pulaski Circle); follow half-way around and bear right onto Elm Street. At the stoplight, turn left onto Trinity Street (Capitol Building will be on your right). Bear right onto Capitol Avenue. Emanuel is two blocks up on your left. Turn left onto Hungerford Street and enter the church parking lot on your right.
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Averys Reunion and Averys in the Civil War

2008-02-26T00:46:00.001-05:00

Event Date: July 19, 2008

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lunch: Buffet at 12:30
Speaker: Avery Memorial Association Historian Vincent Pitts, Ph.D.
Topic: Averys in the Civil War

Sunday, July 20, 2008 there will be a church service at the First Church of Christ in Groton, CT. A brunch in the church hall will follow - small fee for the brunch. After the church service there will be a dedication at the Avery Monument commemorating the 114th Anniversary of the burning of the Hive. After the dedication there will be a cemetery workshop at the Avery-Morgan Burying Ground in Groton, CT. The Ebenezer Avery House will be open.

Cost for the annual meeting/reunion is $30 (please inquire about lunch costs when making your reservation). For those who would like to explore the Mashantucket Pequot Museum (optional) there is a separate fee of $13.

Deadline for reservations is June 15, 2008.
Contact Stephanie Lantiere at SGLantiere@aol.com or check out the website at: www.averymemorialassociation.com

Location of Event:
Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Mashantucket, CT

Free Irish Genealogy Seminar March 15

2008-02-26T00:31:00.001-05:00

Irish Americans looking for their roots will have an opportunity to learn how to trace their family trees back to Europe at a genealogy lecture scheduled to take place in Bridgeport on Saturday, March 15, 2008. The presentations by three noted researchers will take place at Housatonic Community College 900 Lafayette Blvd in Bridgeport starting at noon.

Prof. Jonathan Shea, a foreign language professor at HCC, will lead off the sessions speaking about American sources needed to find information about the family on this side of the ocean, some of which will take the researcher back to the family's place of origin in Ireland. Among the sources to be discussed are local birth, marriage and death records, probate files, church registers and similar documentation generated on a local level as well as information laden records of the federal government such as decennial census returns, WWI draft registrations and ships passenger lists from Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Shea, a New Britain native, traces his paternal roots to the counties of Offaly and Mayo in Ireland and has done on site research in the National Archives in Dublin, local county records offices and Catholic parish archives in his counties of origin. Stated Shea" My family not only emigrated to the US but to the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand so tracking down all the various branches of the family has taken me on a documentary journey to four continents"

Resources in Ireland will be discussed by Janet Pestey of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists. Major records sources such as the nineteenth century Griffiths Valuation Lists and the surviving Irish census returns will be covered as well as information on national vital records indexes many of which are available at the Family History Center in Woodbridge and the resources to be found at Irish National Archives. Also included will be Civil Registration records which began in 1864, church records, tithe records estate records. Local sources and computer sites will also be discussed. The speaker is a retired educator and a frequent lecturer on the topic.

The third in the trio of experts is Daniel Lynch of Trumbull. Lynch will concentrate on internet sources researchers can use from the comfort of their own home to hunt for ancestors. As more and more records are digitized and becoming available on home computers, this facet of genealogical research is among the fastest growing aspects of genealogy. a pastime of millions Americans. Lynch is a 22 year veteran of the computer industry and served as a consultant to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and was featured on ABC News Good Morning America as part of their genealogy series. The author of numerous genealogy articles, Lynch is a frequent lecturer on genealogy and technology.

The seminar is the result of a collaboration between Housatonic, The Connecticut Society of Genealogists, headquartered in East Hartford and the Connecticut Ancestry Society headquartered in Stamford.

----

Location: Housatonic Community College
Directions: Bridgeport, exit 27 from I-95, plenty of free parking.

Your Family Tree – From the Start: Genealogy Basics with Research Techniques”

2008-02-15T20:19:00.003-05:00

Six sessions 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Starts, Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Location: New London Adult Education

Uncover your family's story and preserve your heritage for future generations! Learn how to network with researchers from a distance or locally, record your family history, keep it organized, find documents, and cite sources. Sessions include an explanation of library, government and private sources such as published materials, vital data, military records, and clues to immigration documents. And, as time permits, discussions on your research progress. A hands-on introduction to Internet research is included at the last class with time to work on your own in the computer lab!

A free textbook (worth $20) is available at first class if registered in advance. Please bring a 3-ring binder to class. Handouts: $5, payable at first class.

"Your Family Tree: From the Start… " is a complete how-to course for beginners as well as those who would like to learn about traditional on-site research techniques at repositories as well as an introduction to modern genealogical tools.

Register Here: New London Adult Education: 860-437-2385

Your Family Tree – From the Start

2008-02-10T02:15:00.000-05:00

Thursday: February 14, 21, & 28, 2008
6:15 PM - 7:45 PM
Rathbun Memorial Library
36 Main Street
East Haddam, CT
873-8210

Uncover your family's story and preserve your heritage for future generations! The Rathbun Memorial Library, East Haddam, will host a series of three weekly sessions facilitated by Deborah Tajmajer, Professional Genealogist, beginning Thursday, February 14, 6:15pm to 7:45pm. Learn how to record and organize your data, find documents and cite sources. Sessions include an explanation of library, government and private sources and discussion on your research progress. These sessions are for the beginning novice as well as those who would like to learn more about onsite research. Please bring a 3-ring binder; handouts will be distributed. Pre-register by call 873-8210.

Free Lineage - Family Tree Workshop

2008-01-18T17:17:00.000-05:00

Date: 2/7/2008
Location: Rathbun Memorial Free Library
36 Main Street
East Haddam, CT 06423

Hours: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Admission: Free: Pre-Registration is important as space is limited.
Contact: (860) 873-3330 (Leave Message) or NathanHaleDAR@aol.com
Sponsor: Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter DAR

Has a branch of you family been in the United States as far back as your family can remember? Not sure which ancestor is an American Revolutionary Patriot or even if you have one? Have you wondered about joining a lineage society such as the Daughters of the American Revolution or related organizations? Learn more about your American roots and your family's role in America History! All are welcome to attend a free lineage - family tree workshop to be held at the Rathbun Memorial Library in East Haddam on Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM sponsored by the Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter DAR. Local DAR Registrar, Deborah Tajmajer of East Haddam will be on-hand to guide you through your first experience with your family tree information as referred to as genealogy. A discussion about special DAR online resources and how they can jump-start your research will be included. As space is limited, please contact Deborah by email at NathanHaleDAR@aol.com or at 860-873-3330 to reserve your seat.

The Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter DAR was organized in June 1900 and meets monthly in various towns in the lower Connecticut River Valley region. In addition to special programs and field trips, meetings include service projects for veterans and the annual Good Citizen awards that are presented to local high schools seniors. Today, this women’s organization has about 168,000 members in 3000 chapters world-wide. Any woman 18 or older who can prove a lineal bloodline descent from a patriot of the American Revolution (circa 1775-1783) is eligible for membership. Tracing your lineage is valuable because it preserves your family’s heritage. The DAR is a volunteer organization that promotes patriotism, preservation of American history, and education.

"Other than military service, acceptable service includes: Signers of the Declaration of Independence, civil service, nurses, Oath of Allegiance, those who rendered material aid, such as furnishing supplies, lending money to the Colonies, gunsmiths, and more."

Saving Connecticut’s barns -- Free

2008-01-18T17:03:00.000-05:00

The South Windsor Historical Society will present a program on saving Connecticut’s barns Jan. 10. The program, which is free and open to the public will be held at Wood Memorial Library, 783 Main St., South Windsor, at 7 p.m.
Todd Levine, a representative of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, will talk about taking a “windshield survey” of local barns, a project involving taking a digital photo of a barn from a safe public place, recording basic information, and inputting it into the Connecticut Barn Website (www.connecticutbarns.org) for review. The data can then be retrieved by those interested in saving the history of important agricultural structures.
Mr. Levine notes, “Until recently historic barns in Connecticut have not been completely documented. Outbuildings and barns had rarely been included in the National Registry of Historic Places. In the last decade their historic significance was realized in evaluating an historic site. Barns are disappearing from the Connecticut landscape by slow decay or by being razed for new construction. With each barn lost we lose another piece of our rich agricultural history.”
“Every town in our historic state, including South Windsor, has barns and outbuildings that should be saved either by restoration or by a digital camera,” he adds.
Anna Fiori, historical society program chair, encourages South Windsor residents to participate in the project. She said, “If you have photos of South Windsor barns bring them to this meeting. We would enjoy seeing them and perhaps you will allow us to make copies for our archives.”
For more information about the historical society and its activities,
call 860-291-9958 or visit www.southwindsorhistory.tk

East Haddam Historical Society & Museum: Open House June 9, 2007

2007-06-07T17:05:00.000-04:00

The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum will be open from 10:30am-4pm on Saturday, June 9 without charge to visitors. This is in honor of Connecticut Open House Day sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism and includes the Ambassador Program ....

This is the third annual Connecticut Open House Day involving 200 other organizations and attractions throughout the state. The East Haddam Historical Society Museum features an exhibit and 35-minute film on William Gillette and Sherlock Holmes featuring Gillette protege Helen Hayes, created by Peter Loffredo of Connecticut Heritage Productions. Works of such famous local artists as Heinz Warneke and W. Langdon Kihn are a part of the museum's holdings, along with a photographic display of the mills of Moodus, Millington Green Post Office and General Store, Moodus Drum and Fife Corps memorabilia, miniatures of the Goodspeed Opera House and an 18th-century East Haddam dwelling and outbuildings, Indian artifacts dating to 1300 B.C. and an exhibit on the last of the New England whalers, Captain George Comer.

East Haddam is comprised of the areas known as Millington, Hadlyme, North Plains, Leesville, Johnsonville, Moodus, Little Haddam and East Haddam Landing. The EHHS, located on Route 82 (264 Town Street) will soon celebrate the opening of an important new wing presently awaiting a Certificate of Occupancy. Phone 860-873-3944; email ehhistsociety@snet.net.

Connecticut Open House Day: Sat. June 9, 2007

2007-06-07T16:41:00.000-04:00

Join the party! On June 9th, art galleries and studios, museums, theaters, historic properties, tourist attractions and lodging facilities across the state will be opening their doors to Connecticut residents. Enjoy free or discounted admission and d other special incentives.

You will find the Connecticut Open House participants are listed at http://ctvisit.com/open_house_properties.htm describing what each property is offering. Search engine found at the CT Heritage site: http://www.ctheritage.org/

For example:
Oliver Ellsworth Homestead
778 Palisado Ave.(Rte. 159)
Windsor, CT
Phone: (860) 688-8717
http://www.ctdar.org
Free admission

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Nathan Hale Homestead
2299 South St.
Coventry, CT
Phone: (860) 742-6917
http://www.ctlandmarks.org/hale.php
Free admission (reg. $7)
--
Shaw Mansion
New London County Historical Society
11 Blinman St.
New London, CT
Phone: (860) 443-1209
http://www.newlondonhistory.org
Free Admission

Amasa Day House Memorial Day Family Fest and Open House

2007-05-25T20:04:00.000-04:00

Bring a picnic and join us after the East Haddam parade (Monday, May 28, 2007) for a day of family fun on the beautiful Amasa Day House grounds. 11-00-3:00.One of the house’s of the Antiquirian and Landmark Society.

Free admission to the grounds and free tours of the 1816 Federal – style house, home Civil War Veteran Eugene Chafee, Amasa Day's son-in- law. Donations are kindly requested.Civil War Re-enactors! Join the drill and more. Living history at its best!

12:45 performance of the East Haddam stage company’s “They call me Lizzie… from Slavery to the White House.” Best known as dressmaker and confidant to Mary Todd Lincoln.

Purchase refreshments, victorian toys and much more.

Directions:
From Rte 9; Exit 7, Moodus, to Rte 82 East. Pass Goodspeed Opera House to Rte. 149. Museum is north 4.2 miles at the junction of Rtes 149 and 151.
From Rte 2: Exit 16, Moodus, right onto Rte 149 South. Museum is south 8 miles at the intersection of Rtes 149 and 151.

Amasa Day House
Plains Road
On the Green
Moodus, Connecticut 06469
(860) 247-8996 ext. 12
amasa.day@ctlandmarks.org
www.ctlandmarks.org/amasa.php.

109th Reunion of the descendants of Cornelius Davis held in Stafford Springs, CT

2007-05-09T19:44:00.000-04:00

The 109th Reunion of the descendants of Cornelius Davis, 2nd will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2006*. The group will meet at noon at the American Legion Hall, 3 Monson Rd. (just north of the intersection of Rtes. 32 and 190), Stafford Springs, Connecticut. ... We'll also have awards for the youngest, the oldest, the family member having come the greatest distance, and the family with the most members present.

We would like to know who will be coming by August 1, 2006, so that we may plan accordingly. ... Distance and other reasons will prevent many members from attending. We would still like to hear from you with vital information, address changes, and addresses of family members who may not be on the mailing list or changes to be made to the Family Tree.

Expenses for the Reunion are financed by a "free will" collection taken during the meeting and by generous donations received by mail.

As always, The Family Tree and the Davis Family Genealogy will be on display. These represent the on-going efforts of family members who continue to update the records of the Davis family.

Come join us as we reunite in historic Stafford, CT, originally settled by Cornelius Davis, 2nd. Davis Family Reunions have been held annually on the 3rd Sunday in August, except for a few years during World War II, starting in the late 1890s.

Sincerely, Holly Ann Thisdale,Davis Reunion Secretary
If you'd like to attend, please contact by August 1st:
Mark K. Davis; 10510 Auburndale Rd. Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023-2344

Stonington, CT Ultimate Family Reunion 2009

2007-05-09T19:31:00.000-04:00

Once In A Lifetime
of the Founding Families of Stonington, Connecticut 1649-2009.
360 years of history

Descendants of FRANCIS BUSHNELL Reunion in Hartford, CT July 2007

2007-05-09T19:08:00.000-04:00

Calling all descendants of FRANCIS BUSHNELL, to attend the first-ever, all-lineages reunion July 5-8 in Hartford Connecticut and July 9-18 in England. You can come to just one or both events. The one in Hartford will start with a tour and dedication of a gift to the Bushnell Park, which is also the front yard of the Connecticut state capitol. Following that, we’ll go on to The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts nearby, for lunch and a tour of that stately facility. It was erected in memory of Horace Bushnell, one of the movers and shakers of early Hartford, and, thus, the reason it was chosen to be the site of this reunion. The next day we’ll travel south to Guilford, Conn., the city Francis helped found upon his arrival in New England in 1639, and where there is an original building that we think Francis helped construct. We’ll also visit the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, where there is a replica of David Bushnell’s “Turtle” – a device he invented during the Revolutionary War to “harass the enemy” and which is a forerunner of our modern submarine. On Sunday we’ll visit a church that Daniel Bushnell helped build, and tour nearby cemeteries. While in Connecticut, we’ll lodge at the Rocky Hill Marriott Hotel at a rate of $99.68, including all taxes. Contact http://cwp.marriott.com/bdirh/bushnellreunion for information and registry.

On July 9 we’ll fly to England for the next eight days, visiting and exploring the towns where Francis lived, along with seeing the extraordinary sites to the south and west of London. The last three days we’ll be in London, with free time to do what you want as well as planned tours of the more famous landmarks. Our travel agency, Holidays Unlimited, has given us an estimated cost of $2600; which includes all transportation costs, hotel rates and fees including breakfasts, two dinners and one afternoon tea, and entrance fees to sites on the itinerary. Please pre-register with the coordinator, Kitty Dye, 2855 Sand Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452-2744; 419-734-4588; bushnellreunion@cros.net . Additional information can be found on the family website: bushnell.homestead.com or contact Kitty for print copies.

AVERY Memorial Association Family Reunion in Mystic, CT July 2007

2007-05-09T19:04:00.000-04:00

The AVERY Memorial Association Family Reunion will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at Seaman's Inn in Mystic, CT from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A buffet lunch will be served at 12 noon. After meeting entertainment will be a magic show by Joseph Potter, Colonial American Magician.

On Sunday, July 22 at 10 a.m. there will be a church service at the First Church of Christ Congregational Church in Groton, CT. Also a cemetery workshop at the Avery-Morgan Burying Ground in Groton, CT. The Ebenezer Avery House will be open both days. The cost is $40 for adults which includes the buffet and admission to Mystic Seaport. Deadline is June 30, 2007

Geer Family Association Reunion in Ledyard, CT June 2007

2007-05-09T18:55:00.000-04:00

2007 Triennial Reunion of GFA To Be Held in Ledyard, Connecticut, June 22, 23, and 24, 2007!

The next General Meeting and Reunion of the Geer Family Association will be held in Ledyard, Connecticut, June 22, 23, and 24, 2007. Members and non-members alike are welcome! On the GFA page is a brief version of the GFA Summer Newsletter with information about this reunion available to download in Acrobat Reader. (To download free Adobe Acrobat Reader, click the button here. ) The reunion agenda, lodging information, and places to see in the Ledyard area are all in a downloadable section of the Newsletter -- go to "The GFA" page (link at left), then scroll down and click on the picture of the newsletter;or click here. A PDF version of the newsletter pages about the reunion will open. To register, click here for a Word version of the registration form, or here for a PDF version of it. We look forward to seeing you there!
New Geer Crest Shirts and Jackets

If you want to look really spiffy at the reunion, you can order new shirts and jackets with the Geer Crest on them. Click here to download the order form, with pictures, descriptions, and prices, in PDF format. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this file.) Print out the order form, fill out your order, make out your check to Rambow, Inc. Important note: Mail your order to Marilyn Geer, 214 Dogwood St. N.E., New London, MN 56273. When Marilyn gets enough orders for one style, she will send them to Rambow. $2 from each order goes to the GFA. If you have questions, please call Maryilyn at 612-273-0296 or email her at mjgeer@tds.net.

American Maritime History Course at Mystic Seaport June 18-July 26, 2007

2007-05-09T15:29:00.000-04:00

Mystic Seaport's Munson Institute of American Maritime Studies is currently accepting applications for its summer courses in American maritime history. Early registration shows an interesting mix of students. Some will take the courses for graduate credit, while others will audit classes just for the joy of it.

Enrollment for the June 18 through July 26 Institute is, however, limited. Further information and applications are available by writing Co-Director Glenn S. Gordinier, Ph.D. at Munson Institute, 75 Greenmanville Ave., P.O. Box 6000, Mystic, CT 06355 or via the Internet at munson@mysticseaport.org.

Harvard's Professor Robert Albion founded the Institute in 1955. Since that time, hundreds of students from all walks of life have passed through the program and gone on to complete higher degrees, and publish numerous books and articles. Institute offerings are fully accredited by Trinity College and the University of Connecticut. This summer's offerings include: an American Maritime History Survey, a Maritime Studies Seminar and Independent Research.

The Munson faculty is made up of scholars from across the country. They are leading authorities on topics like ship technology, women and the sea, African-American seafaring, marine archeology, seafaring culture, the history of marine science and the environment. The faculty's most recent collaboration, the critically acclaimed America and the Sea has become a "must read" in the field. Another Institute resource is the newly restructured G.W. Blunt White Library, a major research library in maritime history on the Mystic Seaport grounds. The library houses a large collection of manuscripts and rare books and is available to Munson students.

During the six weeks of study, the 17 acres of Mystic Seaport serve as a unique campus where the nuances of maritime life are in evidence in scores of historic settings including the whaleship Charles W. Morgan. Additionally, Munson students participate in field trips to Newport and the old whaling ports of New London and Stonington, CT. They are also offered unique opportunities such as rowing or sailing period watercraft on the Mystic River and cruising aboard SABINO, America's last coal-fired passenger vessel.

Mystic Seaport works to preserve and exhibit the maritime heritage of America and to tell the story of America and the sea. The staff includes 350 professionals from a wide range of disciplines.
____________________________________________

Glenn S. Gordinier, Ph.D.
Robert G. Albion Historian
Co-Director, Munson Institute
860 572 0711 ext. 5089

Resources Available at the National Archives including under-utilized resources ...

2007-05-02T12:32:00.000-04:00

Saturday, May 19, 2007: Connecticut Genealogist Society

SPEAKER: Walter Hickey,"Resources Available at the National Archives including under-utilized resources such as CT citenship papers in Waltham, MA and Boston Passenger Lists." CSG Members' Business Meeting, Election of Officers and Governors at Large, Literary Awards Presentation

Advanced Reservations are required. PLEASE NO WALK-INS. Your Reservation must be received in the CSG Office by May 16, 2007 by 3:00pm.

TIME: Registration: 8:30am, Business Meeting, etc.: 9:30am, Lunch: Noon,
Speaker: 1:15pm

LUNCH: Meal Choices are: Chicken Marsala, Broiled Sea Scallops, or Roast Loin of Pork (vegetarian dishes available). Please include your meal choice on the memo portion of your check. Thank you.
COST: $25.00, Speaker only: $20.00

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
QUESTIONS? Call the CSG Office at 860-569-0002

Location of Event:
Hawthorne Inn, 2346 Wilbur Cross Hwy, Berlin, CT

Association for the Study of Connecticut History

2007-04-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Annual Meeting of the Association
for the Study of Connecticut History will be held on Saturday,
April 28, 2007, at the Connecticut River Museum, Essex, CT.
The meeting theme, "A River Runs through It: Putting the
Connecticut in Connecticut's History" will be addressed by
three speakers:

Brenda Milkofsky, Senior Curator, Connecticut River Museum,
Launching Liberty: The Connecticut Valley in The American
Revolution: Off the Walls and onto the Web.

Joseph Avitable, University of Rochester, Connecting Colonial
Connecticut to the Atlantic World Economy, 1690-1776.

Steve Grant, The Hartford Courant, The Connecticut River:
An Environmental History.

After the program, there will be a short annual business meeting
of the ASCH membership with election of officers. This will be
followed by a guided tour of the Connecticut River and lunch
aboard the RiverQuest. A copy of the entire program with registration information is available at the ASCH website: http://asch.ccsu.edu
For further information, please call or e-mail:
Patricia Bodak Stark
ASCH Secretary
860-434-0112
starkbpw@aol.com

Connecticut Historical Society Library blog

2007-04-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

New and exciting additions to the collection at the Connecticut Historical Society Library.

We will be reporting new additions to our collections, mostly manuscript, but some printed material and media as well. We are constantly adding new manuscript and discovering one's already in the collection. Information about these items/collections will appear at the CHS blog before they show up in their online catalog.

Please visit the CHS blog, and if you want to keep updated, please subscribe to the RSS feed. www.manuscripts.wordpress.com
--
About CHS:

From award-winning, interactive exhibits to exciting special events and programs, plus a nationally significant library, the Connecticut Historical Society Museum presents family-friendly, educational offerings that explore Connecticut’s diverse, dynamic and changing history. Ongoing exhibits include Tours and Detours Through Early Connecticut exploring rustic life in CT over 200 years ago. Amistad– A True Story of Freedom travels through the Africans’ struggle for freedom following their 1839 revolt aboard the Amistad. Group Tours are available for both children and adults. Located at One Elizabeth Street in Hartford’s historic West End, make the CHS Museum your must-see destination along CT’s Cultural Tourism Trail, easily accessible from I-84, Exit # 46, Sisson Avenue. Exhibition hours: Tuesday - Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m. Library hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission: 4:15 p.m.). Admission is $6 (adults), $3 (seniors, students, and youths 6 - 17), FREE for children under six and CHS Museum/Old State House members and FREE the first Saturday of every month. Open year round. Closed major holidays. FREE and ample parking. Web site: www.chs.org. For information call: 860-236-5621.

"Working the Land: The Story of Connecticut Agriculture"

2007-04-09T13:22:00.000-04:00

"Working the Land: The Story of Connecticut Agriculture"

Premieres Friday, April 13th at 9 p.m. on CPTV

Past, present and future of state farming are subject of new documentary Moodus, Conn. (April 4, 2007) - Since its earliest days, Connecticut farmers and the farming way of life helped to build the state, givesustenance to millions and provide residents with a special sense ofplace. Today, farming in Connecticut is at a crossroads as lifestyle changes and development pressures threaten its future. The past, present and future of state farming are explored in Working the Land: The Story of Connecticut Agriculture, a 90-minute documentary that premieres Friday, April 13, at 9 p.m. on Connecticut Public Television (CPTV). State resident Ken Simon produced, wrote and directed the documentary, his 21st program on Connecticut history, culture or public policy. Connecticut resident Sam Waterston narrates the program.

In the last half of the 20th century, Connecticut, like other states, had experienced a steady decline in farming. In 1944, there were 22,000 farms in the state. Today, there are 4,200. To the dismay of many concerned with state agriculture, farmland loss has intensified inrecent years. From 1997 to 2002, Connecticut led all other states in the rate of loss -- 12 percent of existing farmland, with no signs of slowing down since then. Yet, agriculture continues to be an important part of Connecticut's economy, food system and culture. Some trends are downright encouraging, such as increasing demand for locally grown food, more direct marketing from farm to consumer, and the growing business of agricultural-based tourism. Working the Land features 26 farmers who help to tell the story of state agriculture. Farmers in the program range from multi-generation farm families to first-generation farmers, from part-timers to multi-million-dollar operators. They grow, harvest, make and sell a diverse array of farm products -- from decorative plants to organic produce, gourmet vegetables, wine, cheese, grass-fed lamb and beef, and a wide range of added-value products.

An extended-edition DVD of the program is available at retail outletsstatewide and at the project website www.WorkingTheLand.com. The website contains interview transcripts, exclusive articles and video footage, links to state farmsand farm products, an archival photographic database, and interactive features. Working the Land is a co-production of Simon Pure Productions and Connecticut Humanities Council. It is the latest program in The Connecticut Experience, a collaborative series of the Humanities Council and Connecticut Public Television. Lead underwriting for the project was provided by Connecticut Farmland Trust, with major underwriting from Connecticut Farm Bureau, Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the 1772 Foundation. PRODUCTION CREDITS Producer, Writer, Director: Kenneth A. Simon Executive Producers: Kenneth A. Simon (SimonPure Productions), Bruce Fraser (Connecticut Humanities Council) Narrator: Sam Waterston, Original Score: Steve Evans, Contact: Ken Simon, mailto:ksimon@simonpure.com , www.workingtheland.com

Special Hours for Early Birds to the New England Regional Genealogical

2007-03-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

Special Hours for Early Birds to the New England Regional Genealogical Conference!

For those coming to Hartford early for the New England Regional Genealogical Conference (April 26 – 29 at the Connecticut Convention Center and the Marriott Hartford Downtown). www.nergc.org, and others wanting extra research time, the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25. There will be an extra retrieval of archival and special collections materials at 6:00 p.m. And to sustain researchers in their endeavors, light refreshments will be served from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall of theMuseum of Connecticut History. For those not familiar with the History and Genealogy Unit, orientation tours will be held on the same day at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 and 5:30 p.m. The Library will be open regular hours Thursday and Friday, April 26 and 27 from 9:00 until 5:00 and on Saturday, April 28 from 9:00 until 2:00. For more information about the History and Genealogy Unit's resources and services, see the History and Genealogy Web page http://www.cslib.org/handg.htm and the State Library's Research Resources page, http://www.cslib.org/handg.htm

Richard C. RobertsUnit Head, History & Genealogy

Connecticut State Library

231 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06106-1537
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We are happy to inform you that Godfrey Memorial Library will also have extended hours for researchers! We will be open from 9am to 8pm on April 25, 26, and 27 and April 28 from 9 am to 1 pm. Please stop by and see visit us!

Sincerely,Christine LeFoll, Godfrey Memorial Library

134 Newfield Street Middletown, CT 06457

chris@godfrey.org www.godfrey.org

Connecticut Gravestone Network Symposium 2007

2007-03-26T01:21:00.000-04:00

Saturday - March 31

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

South Senior Center

70 Canterbury St.

East Hartford, CT

Hosted by The Friends of Center Cemetery, Inc. East Hartford, CT Historic Cemetery Preservation is our goal. Displays & exhibits from various historic groups. Vendors with books, T-Shirts, mourning jewelry, and othercemetery novelties. We will even have a stone carver working on site if you'd like to try your hand at it.

Lecture Topics:

Welcome for First Time visitors

"Introduction to Old Burial Ground Basics"9:30 am - Ruth Shapleigh-Brown

"Joseph Sikes and other 18th & 19th century Carvers"10: 45 - Robert Drinkwater

"West Springfield area Cemeteries and Carvers"1:15 pm.- Rusty Clark

"Slide Tour and History of Grove Street Cemetery, New Haven, CT."2:30 pm. - Pat Illingworth

Lunch, snacks & beverages will be available

Admission: Pay at the door $10 to public $5 for CGN members

Directions: South Senior Center, East Hartford, CT

From route 2 east - exit 5c, Maple Ave. turn left, (underhwy), turn left at stop sign onto Handel Rd. 2nd right will be Canterbury St., road is a cul-de-sac with school/now seniorcenter at end.

Going west on Rt.2 or Int. 91 use exit forRoute 3/Main St. Glastonbury, then head north to Maple St.,which will be a right turn at the first intersection after the plaza. Follow signs for Symposium.

For details contact Ruth Brown at 860-643-5652 orshapbrown@cox.netCGN web site http://www.ctgravestones.com

New England CONNECTions: New England Regional Genealogical Conference, April 26-29 2007

2007-03-25T18:51:00.000-04:00

New England CONNECTions
Ninth New England Regional Genealogical Conference
April 26-29 2007
Connecticut Convention Center
and Hartford Marriott Downtown
www.nergc.org

New England CONNECTions will be held April 26-29, 2007, in Hartford, Connecticut. As the ninth New England Regional Genealogical Conference, it promises to build on NERGC’s tradition of excellence in providing genealogical lectures, seminars and workshops; the Ancestors Road Show; a Society Fair; as well as banquets and luncheons, for new and established genealogists alike, at minimal cost.

In keeping with the Conference theme, Patricia Law Hatcher, Cyndi Howells, Hank Jones, and over 45 other speakers will help genealogists “connect” to:
~ Ancestors who immigrated to and migrated out of New England (including settlement and migration patterns)
~ The wealth of information available in New England’s archives, libraries, and historical societies
~ Specific types of source materials (church, cemetery, vital, and military records; newspapers; city directories)
~ Advances in genealogical technology

In addition, over 45 national, regional, and society-sponsored speakers are on the program to bring you the very best in genealogy today. The Hartford conference program has over 45 speakers, 9 tracks, 75 lectures and workshops, lunch and dinner events, plus several additional offerings like Librarian's Day, the Ancestors Roadshow, Special Interest Groups, Society Fair, and the Exhibit Hall. Complete program and brochure is here: http://www.nergc.org/2007/program2007.htm

The conference takes place at the new Connecticut Convention Center, located at 100 Columbus Boulevard. Some events will also take place in meeting rooms at the interconnected Hartford Marriott Downtown, the official conference hotel, at 200 Columbus Boulevard.

Beyond the conference itself, Hartford is a genealogical and historical haven, home of the Connecticut State Library and Connecticut Historical Society Museum and historic sites such as the homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. The Godfrey Library in Middletown and Connecticut Society of Genealogists library in East Hartford are not far away.

It's a genealogy event you won't want to miss!

ADMISSION: $125 for Full Registration. $85 per day for Daily Registration.
MEALS AND WORKSHOPS REQUIRE ADVANCE REGISTRATION AND ADDITIONAL FEE. SOME WORKSHOPS REQUIRE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT. SEE THE FULL BROCHURE AT www.NERGC.org

Wondering about the DAR Application Process or Need Assistance?

2007-03-25T18:37:00.000-04:00

DAR Applications and Supplemental Workshop -- Free
Saturday, March 31, 2007, 10 am -2 pm
Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter House
55 Prospect Street
Milford, CT

Jolene Mullen, CT DAR Volunteer Genealogy Chair, will present this workshop designed to help Prospectives DAR Members as well as Chapter Regents and Registrars. There will be a review of applications and the documentation needed. Bring your own bag lunch.

Call Jolene at 860-355-3294 or JoleneM@aol.com

Also see the National DAR website for information about joining or the DAR Library: http://www.dar.org/

CHS Collections: Research 101

2007-03-15T12:26:00.000-04:00

Thursday, March 22 – 2 to 4 p.m.

Sharon Steinberg, Reference and Research Librarian at the CHS Museum, guides you to the many resource treasures available in special collections libraries – including those abounding at the CHS Museum. Rare books, diaries, and letters; broadsides, maps, vintage newspapers, vital records, scrapbooks, and more are at the ready to make you a historical research whiz. Admission: $3-$6. Reservations: (860) 236-5621, x238.

One Elizabeth Street at Asylum AvenueHartford, CT 06105

Tel: (860) 236-5621

Email: ask_us@chs.org

FREE GENEALOGY WORKSHOP SERIES PRESENTED BY THE CT IRISH AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

2007-03-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Date: March 24, 2007
"Getting Started: US Sources"
Speaker: Paul Keroack
Time: 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

"Looking in Ireland (Part 1)"
Speaker: Janet Pestey
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information call 203-877-9618 or 203-269-0166
Location of Event:Irish American Community Center,
9 Venice Place, East Haven, CT

DIRECTIONS

From I-95, take exit 48 to I91-From I91 Northbound, take exit 8, Middletown Ave. Bear right at end of ramp onto Route 80/Foxon Blvd. Take right at 3rd traffic light onto Eastern St., proceed 1 mile to Venice Place (right turn). Club is at end of road.

From I-91 South, take exit 8, Middletown Ave. Bear left at end of ramp onto Route 80/Foxon Blvd. Take right at 4th traffic light on to Eastern St., proceed 1 mile to Venice Place (right turn). Club is at end of road.

PAN-SLAVIC GENEALOGY SEMINAR

2007-03-08T12:17:00.000-05:00

ANNOUNCING THE 1ST ANNUAL PAN-SLAVIC GENEALOGY SEMINAR

Housatonic Community College 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT

Saturday, April 14, 2007 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Free – All are welcome!

Registration highly recommended

Free parking and light refreshments!

Come learn how to trace your Eastern European roots from leading experts: Jonathan D. Shea, Professor of Foreign Languages at Housatonic Community College and Central Connecticut State University, Matthew Bielawa, Associate Registrar at Central Connecticut State University, and Lisa A. Alzo, author, instructor, lecturer, and researcher specializing in Slovak genealogy and immigration history. Lectures will cover research in Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Carpatho-Rus, and other areas of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Topics will include: Utilizing key U.S. resources (census, church, citizenship, immigration and vital records) Historical geography (working with maps, atlases, and gazetteers) Top Eastern European Web sites Archival sources in Eastern Europe Networking with fellow researchers and much more!

To register for this seminar, please call 203-332-5279 or send an e-mail to: pgsctne@yahoo.com.

Добро пожаловать! We hope to see you there! Zapraszamy!

Scottish Patterns of Migration to the United States

2007-03-06T11:21:00.000-05:00

Friends of Godfrey Library Spring

Speaker : Betty Oderwald, DAR and Member of St Andrew’s Society of CT

Saturday, March 17th at 1:30 PM

Ms. Oderwald will talk about the Highlanders, the Lowlanders, and the Scots-Irish and how these groups differed and came at different times. She will discuss the reasons why people leave and why they choose the places to which they go. One specific example will be the deportation of soldiers after the Battle of Dunbar through the 19th century. Betty will also bring a display of books that are useful in anyone looking at Scottish immigration, hand-outs of suggested research sources and will be happy to answer questions. Ms Oderwald is a member of the DAR through her mother’s family and her father was born in Scotland. She is currently the registrar of her DAR and C.A.R. chapters and has co-chaired all day Scottish genealogy workshops for 5 years in addition to attending many local and national genealogical conferences.

Godfrey Memorial Library

134 Newfield Street

Middletown, CT 06457-2534

Phone: 860-346-4375

http://www.godfrey.org/direction.htm Library@Godfrey.org

Library is Open

Monday 9am to 8pm

Tuesday thru Friday 9am to 4pm
Saturday 9 am to 1 pm

Directions:
Exit 15 onto Route 66 West (also Washington Street). At fifth traffic light turn right onto Route 3 North (also Newfield Street). The Library is approximately 1/4 mile on the right.

From the North on I-95, take Exit 69 onto Route 9 North. Take Exit 15 and follow above directions.

From the South on I-95, take the I-91 North exit to exit 18 (Route 66 East),
follow Route 66 east to Route 3 North (also Newfield Street).
Turn left on Route 3. The Library is approximately 1/4 mile on the right.

"A Slave's Story": BBC Documentary about Venture Smith of East Haddam and Haddam Neck, CT

2007-02-24T19:19:00.000-05:00

By Paul Murphy and Joe Bilton. World Premier Screening.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

This year's program is part of the Beecher House Center for the Study of Equal Rights, the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation, in hull England, and the University of Connecticut’s ongoing Project – Documenting Venture Smith. A Slave’s Story was filmed in Connecticut in 2006 during the Project’s excavation of Venture’s family gravesite in East Haddam and the development of an extraordinary DNA map of the family.

Venture Smith was born in West Africa (as Broteer Furro) c. 1727-29 and sold into slavery in 1739. After being transshipped to New England and after years of terrible struggle, Venture purchased freedom for himself his family and several other enslaved people. He then developed a far-flung trading enterprise and became a major landholder in Haddam Neck where he died a free man in 1805.

As he outlined in his 1798 Narrative, Venture’s was an epic saga of emancipation and achievement spanning two centuries and affirming the power of the human spirit.

Program and Buffet Brunch-Luncheon at the Torrington Country Club in Goshen, CT
$45. Checks payable to Beecher House Society, Inc.

Information or reservations: 860-489-1774 or beechers@optonline.net.
Beecher House Society, PO Box 124 Torrington, CT 06790
--
Related Links about Venture Smith:
Story and photos: http://www.flogris.org/exhibitions/2006/06Venture.html
Click of Listen: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6096911
Tourism: http://www.visitconnecticut.com/freedom.htm
Town Library: http://www.rathbun.lioninc.org/collection.htm#family

Schooling the Heart: Emotion at the Litchfield Female Academy

2007-02-21T12:57:00.000-05:00

Join Martha Tomhave Blauvelt, Professor of History and Director of the Gender and Women's Studies Program at the College of St. Benedict / St. John's University for Schooling the Heart: Emotion at the Litchfield Female Academy. The lecture, based on her new book The Work of the Heart: Young Women and Emotion, 1780-1830, will take place on March 9th at 5:30 p.m. at the Litchfield History Museum. A book signing reception will immediately follow. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the museum shop for $39.50.

Blauvelt will present her case that, while the Litchfield Female Academyis considered notable for its contributions to women's intellectual development, it also taught women how to feel. She claims that its lessons in emotion were at odds with its intellectual purpose. Blauvelt examined journals, diaries, and museum objects created by the students of Sarah Pierce's Litchfield Female Academy for the publication, and used a number of images from the Historical Society's collection as illustrations.

In addition to this book, Blauvelt has published in scholarly journals such as Journal of Women's History, New York History, and Journal of Social History, and also in books of scholarly essays such as volumes 1 and 2 of Women and Religion in America (edited by Rosemary Radford Ruether, Harper and Row), and in Anxious Power: Reading, Writing, and Ambivalence in Narrative by Women, which was part of the SUNY Series in Feminist Criticism and Theory. Blauvelt earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University. She has been a Mellon Post-Doctoral Fellow and a Fellow for the National Historical Publication Records Commission Institute for the Editing of Historical Documents. In addition to St. John's, she has taught in the history departments of the University of California, Berkeley, and Northwestern University. She is currently starting a project on single women between 1780 and 1880, which will center on the sixty two year diary of Susan Heath of Brookline, Mass., and the diaries of her mother and foursisters.

Please call 860-567-4501 or e-mail cbarbacci@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org to reserve a seat for the lecture. If you have any questions about the event, please call or visit our Web site, http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Sawyer or Lawyer? Using the 1841-1901 British Census

2007-02-20T19:46:00.000-05:00

Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 10:00 -12:00 PM
Speaker: Kathryn Black, Professional reseacher and CPGC Member-at-Large.

All are invited! Connecticut Professional Genealogist Council, Inc. meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 10 AM unless otherwise stated. Lecture is usually 45 minutes to an hour in length. The second hour is reserved for CPGC business.

Meet at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT. Some parking in church lot and on street. Tel: 860-525-0894 (Very near the CT State Library)

Questions about meetings or joining CPGC?

Email : ctpgc@hotmail.com

African American & Native American Genealogy Program

2007-02-13T17:43:00.000-05:00

A lecture and presentation by Dr. James M. Rose will take place on Saturday, February 17, from 10 am to 3 pm at the library, outlining the general research process followed by individual advice and consultation on a first come basis.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Cragin and is free and open to all.

Cragin Memorial Library

8 Linwood Avenue - Route 16 Colchester, CT 06415

Phone: 860-537-5752

craginml@yahoo.com

Forgotten Money – Found!

2007-02-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been a Connecticut resident (college counts too), did business in Connecticut, have clients with Connecticut connections, or have relatives from Connecticut?

Check-out this database for “unclaimed funds" at Connecticut State Treasury Unclaimed Property Owners List:” http://www.ctbiglist.com

While I tried to find forgotten money for my immediate family, I could not. However, I did find forgotten money for other relatives! Although there are many types of unclaimed funds, most of my relatives had funds coming to them from past jobs. As you would expect some funds were from jobs of long ago, yet some jobs were fairly recent. It appears that the owners had moved without forwarding addresses. One forgotten fund was nearly $700 while another was as a mere $45.

What was my reward for passing along this discovery to family? I received one big Thank You by email. No one offered to pass along a 10% finder’s fee. Well, what is family for anyway if not to help one another out with the skills we enjoy. All were surprised about the money. You or your relatives may be surprised too.

Other tips: try alternate spellings, search only surname, use surname and first initial of given name, use the % key as a wild-card.

Don’t forget to tell them … Deborah Tajmajer sent you!

Not a Connecticut resident? Check your state for similar database.

"Cyber-filing Comes of Age" How it relates to Genealogy

2007-01-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

Free tour will be conducted by Joe Camposeo, Manchester Town Clerk.

Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 10:15 am at the Manchester Town Hall
Directions available at the town hall website.

CPGC Members will learn how Connecticut town clerks are utilizing new technologies and how that will assist genealogist with their research. Prospective members and guests are welcome to attend our genealogical programs. The Connecticut Professional Genealogical Council, Inc (CPGC) was formed in 1993 to foster excellence within the profession and provide support to professional genealogist and repositories in Connecticut.

Contact Deborah Tajmajer, Membership Chair, to request a brochure, a current list of professional researchers, an application, or to ask questions: CTPGC@hotmail.com

Are you qualified to Join the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council, Inc?

2007-01-17T13:51:00.000-05:00

The Connecticut Professional Genealogical Council, Inc (CPGC) was formed in 1993 to foster excellence within the profession and provide support to professional genealogist and repositories in Connecticut. CPGC is opened to those who provide genealogical services to others or manage collections of records in Connecticut. This includes; authors, researchers, librarians, lawyers, instructors, lineage society volunteers, translators, and speakers. We place CPGC brochures, with its annually updated membership list, at libraries, town halls, and at genealogical conferences.

Many meetings are held in Hartford. However, we have also hold meetings in repositories around the state such as Fairfield, Mystic, Middletown, Manchester, and Simsbury. Emails are sent to all members to keep them abreast of activities, directions, and to announce last minute happenings. If a member cannot attend a meeting, minutes and program summaries/handouts are mailed to keep them abreast of activities.

As a group, CPGC helps others. The following is only a sampling:
~ CPGC members initiated the Historic Records Preservation Act of 2000 which provides funds to Connecticut towns for the restoration and preservation of original historic records.

~ Members organize Ancestor Road Shows that are hosted by Connecticut town halls and Libraries. This is a free event where resindents can meet one-on-one with a CPGC member to help them with their family tree or research.

~ Raise funds to donate eguipment or books to Connecticut Repositories including the CT State Library, CT Historical Library and Godfrey Memorial Library.

~ This year we are preparing for a large genealogical conference (NERGC 2007) to be held at the new Conference Center in Hartford April 2007. Please visit the CPGC website for more information. http://www.rootsweb.com/~ctpgc/

Contact Deborah Tajmajer, Membership Chair, to request a brochure, an application, or ask questions: AncestorConnect@aol.com or 860-873-3330

"Two New Londons: Frances Caulkins and the New London Ladies’ Seamen’s Friend Society"

2007-01-07T19:01:00.000-05:00

(Photo: The Shaw Mansion Historic House Museum)

January 14, 2007, 2 PM - New London Historical Society

Dr. Nancy Steenburg, presenting new research based on our manuscript collection: “Two New Londons: Frances Caulkins and the New London Ladies’ Seamen’s Friend Society".
In the 1840s, women of New London, including historian Frances Manwaring Caulkins, founded a Ladies’ Seamen’s Friend Society to aid indigent and injured sailors. At first glance the Society seemed to have laudable goals in providing a safety net for local seamen. Yet a majority of members were the wives, daughters, or sisters of the men who owned the major whaling and shipping companies in the city. Were the charity efforts of the ladies merely a salve for the consciences of their menfolk, or did the women of New London have their own agenda of reform?

Steenburg is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Connecticut, Avery Point. She received her AB from Harvard, MA from Trinity College, and PhD from the University of Connecticut, all in history. She is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowship grants, and has published widely on Connecticut history subjects. Her 2005 book, Children and the Criminal Law in Connecticut, 1635-1855: Changing Perceptions of Childhood, was recently recognized as the year’s best book on Connecticut history by the Association for the Study of Connecticut History.

Dr. Steenburg is currently working on a biography of Frances Caulkins, a pioneering female historian, whose collected papers are part of our collection. The Society, planning a new edition of Caulkins’ unmatched 1860 work, History of New London, has called upon Steenburg’s expertise to write a new introduction to the republished book. The Second Sunday presentation will share photographs and images that will provide a rare view of 19th-century New London.

Refreshments will follow the lecture. Admission is free for members of the historical society, $5 for others.

Shaw Mansion is located at 11 Blinman Street, New London, near the intersection of Bank and Tilley Streets.

Second Sunday programs are the regular adult lecture series offered as a benefit of membership in the New London County Historical Society, and are held on the second Sundays of most months. Program admisson is free for members and $5 per person for non-members. For further information, please contact the Society at 860-443-1209. http://www.newlondonhistory.org/events.html

Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor Using Military Records at the National Archives (NARA)

2007-01-06T17:16:00.000-05:00

The Friends of Godfrey Memorial Library and The Jewish Genealogical Society of CT are co-sponsoring a program on Sunday, January 7, 2007 at 1:30 at Godfrey Library. The Archivist Jean Nudd of the National Archives in Pittsfield will present a program. Topics include Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor at the National Archives and Using Military Records at the National Archives. There will be a break and refreshments between topics. Please call or email to reserve your place as space is limited (parking that is.)

Contact: Marcia Meyers marciarthur@sbcglobal.net

The Friends of the Godfrey Memorial Library is a non-profit organization which was formed in 1995 to support the Godfrey Memorial Library.

Mission Statement:
"The Friends of the Godfrey Memorial Library, Inc. is an association whose purpose is to foster awareness of the library and its resources, and to strengthen and help preserve this valuable resource for genealogical and historical research for future generations."

For new memberships or renewals, click HERE to open, then print the application form, fill it out and Mail it to:Friends of the Godfrey Memorial Library, Inc.
134 Newfield Street
Middletown, CT 06457-2534

http://godfrey.org/friends.htm

Preserve your Family Heritage with Nathan Hale Memorial DAR

2007-01-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

Have you wondered if you are descended from a patriot of the American Revolution, circa 1776? Learn more about your American roots and your family's role in America History. Using modern research tools, volunteers will provide guidance and assistance with this process. Contact us for more info!

Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honors and preserves the legacy of your Patriot ancestor. Over two hundred years ago, American Patriots fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. As a member of DAR, through participation in the Society's various programs and activities, you can continue this legacy by actively supporting historic preservation, promotion of education, and patriotic endeavors.

Preserving the American Spirit Other than military service, acceptable service includes: Signers of the Declaration of Independence, civil service, nurses, Oath of Allegiance, those who rendered material aid, such as furnishing supplies, lending money to the Colonies, gunsmiths, and more.

A bit about our chapter

Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter DAR is just one of 3000 chapters in the United States. It was orgainzed in East Haddam, Connecticut on June 6, 1900. Today, our membership comprises 81 women from all over the country with the majority residing within Middlesex and New London counties. We vary our monthly meeting times and locations among the lower Connecticut River towns. Some meetings involve trips to sites across our beautiful State. We honor and remember Connecticut's State Hero, Captain Nathan Hale at our annual Saturday meeting held on or near his birthday, June 6th.

To learn more about our chapter request a brochure or read about a sampling of our programs at our website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ctnhmdar/programs.htm

Location: Greater Lower CT River Valley

Schoolhouse: Main Street, 06423 google map

Email Chapter Registrar, Deborah Tajmajer: NathanHaleDAR@aol.com

~A CELEBRATION~ Please join us for the 300th presentation of Pvt. William Webb: An African-American Connecticut Civil War Soldier

2007-01-02T14:08:00.000-05:00

Portrayed by the State Library’s very own Kevin Johnson. January 11, 2007; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Museum of Connecticut History’s Memorial Hall 231 Capitol Avenue ~ Hartford, CT

Remarks by Diane Smith, Host of Positively Connecticut $10 donation at the door is suggested. Donations will support the State Library and Museum of Connecticut History’s Outreach Programs. Light refreshments will be served.

Kevin Johnson is an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit. He has been presenting William Webb for eight years and has done 299 presentations.

The Connecticut State Library provides high quality library and information services to state government and the citizens of Connecticut. It also preserves and makes accessible the records of Connecticut's history and heritage. The focus of the Museum and its collections is Connecticut's government, military and industrial history. Permanent and changing exhibits trace the growth of the State and its role in the development of the nation from the Colonial era to the present. Additional information about the State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History can be found on its Web page at http://www.cslib.org/.

REVISITING THE COLONIAL REVIVAL - “A Delightful Form of Madness”: Amer. Textiles & the Colonial Rev

2007-01-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

Date: 1/7/2007
Location: Phelps Tavern Museum/Simsbury Historical Society
800 Hopmeadow Street Simsbury, CT 06070
Hours: 2 PM; Admission: $6.00
Contact: (860) 658-2500
Sponsor: Phelps Tavern Museum/Simsbury Historical Society

Joshua Ruff, F. Henry Berlin History Curator at The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages, will cover the appeal of early American textiles and the contemporary wearing of and the use of colonial patterns in products made from the 1870s to the 1950s. Colonial Revival in the United States was at its height from the Philadelphia Centennial through the Depression as Americans began to romanticize their past to fit a future that included changing gender roles, immigrants, urban living and rapidly advancing technology. As in many New England towns, previously ignored homesteads in Simsbury were purchased and restored architecturally and decoratively as touchstones to an imagined past. It is the strong Colonial Revival presence in Simsbury that inspired this year’s theme.

Your Family Tree Using the Internet - Spring 2007

2006-12-31T17:59:00.000-05:00

A hands-on exploration of Internet resources: regional websites, special databases, library catalogs, and government records. Exchange messages with long "lost" relatives or those researching your surname and locality. Determine which sources are credible and how to keep track of your discoveries. Be better prepared for your on-site research trips via the Internet.

Students will use individual computers with time set aside each class to explore favorite genealogical sites. $5 for handouts payable at first class. Length: Once a week for 6 weeks - 6:30-8:30.

Sign-up via this link http://hometown.aol.com/ancestorconnect/classes.html

Two Locations:

~ New London Adult Education at Shaw Cove computer lab.

Tuesdays: Begining March 2007. Sign-up: via the link above, phone NLAE at 860-437-2385, or email the instructor with your questions, AncestorConnect@aol.com

~ Wethersfield Adult Education at the Wetherfield High School. Wednesdays: Beginning March 2007. Sign-up: via th elink above, phone 860-571-8250, or email the instructor with your questions, AncestorConnect@aol.com

Wondering if this course for you?
Email or phone me for specifics and/or a course outline.

Other Course(s) taught: See description below and at this link:

http://hometown.aol.com/ancestorconnect/classes.html

Ask a Professional Genealogist at Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown, CT

2006-10-13T15:02:00.000-04:00

October is Family History Month.....

Just staring out? Have a brick wall? Checking to see how you are doing? Ask a professional genealogist on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006.! All are welcomed. Four professional genealogist will be on hand to answer family history questions at the Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown, CT. The genealogist are members of the Connecticut Professional Genealogist Council. Staff will set aside approximatily 20 minutes per person seeking assistance with their individual projects.

Godfrey recently completed renovations to their building.The library's collection specializes in Connecticut genealogy and New England references in general. Access to the Internet will be available. They are also the host to a LDS (Morman) branch library with borrowing privilages from the main library in Utah.

Time: 10-1:00

Godfrey Memorial Library
134 Newfield Street
Middletown, CT 06457-2534
Phone: 860-346-4375

Directions:
From I-91, exit 22S onto Route 9 South. Exit 15 onto Route 66 West (also Washington Street). At fifth traffic light turn right onto Route 3 North (also Newfield Street). The Library is approximately 1/4 mile on the right.

From the North on I-95, take Exit 69 onto Route 9 North. Take Exit 15 and follow above directions.

From the South on I-95, take the I-91 North exit to exit 18 (Route 66 East),
follow Route 66 east to Route 3 North (also Newfield Street).
Turn left on Route 3. The Library is approximately 1/4 mile on the right.
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Losing Research Hours at the National Archives (NARA)

2006-09-03T21:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Fellow Researchers,

The hour changes at NARA will affect the research needs of many of us here in Connecticut. Please see the link below to electronically sign a petition. You will be able to read what other people have said (before or after signing) about the proposed new hours and what some researchers have suggested instead.

These are the closest National Archives (NARA): Waltham (Boston) MA, Pittsfield, MA, and New York City.

Sincerely,
Deborah T.
-----

"NARA announced recently ( Thursday, Aug. 31) that very few genealogists have made their voices heard on the issue of the reduction of hours at the National Archives. The Federation of Genealogical Societies Records Preservation and Access Committee has prepared a statement indicating that, “This lack of response sends a loud signal to the Archives that this is not a serious issue and that closing the Archives on evenings and Saturdays is irrelevant. The RPAC has recommended the following suggestions for the Archives to consider:"

“1. To accommodate the needs of those who need access on Saturdays, we propose that you close one other day per week. This would be at your discretion. Other archives often close Sunday and Monday."

“2. Users who need evening hour access could be accommodated by opening the archives later in the day, again at your discretion."

“If you agree with the recommendations stated above, we are asking your support by immediately going on-line and adding your ‘signature’ to our petition to substitute the hours of access and still help the archives to meet their need to consolidate their hours of operation. Before 8 September 2006, please go to:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/FGS2006/petition.html
(case sensitive)

“If you would like to send your own personal letter, send it prior to 8 September 2006 and address it to:

Regulations Comments Desk (NPOL)
Room 4100, Policy and Planning Staff
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001”

Please help spread the word on this important issue by sharing it with others.
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Connecting to Connecticut Ancestor Connections

2006-09-03T19:54:00.000-04:00

Thank you for visiting.

Sharing ancestral news in and around Connecticut.

Contact Deborah to add your Connecticut genealogical/historical event. AncestorConnect@aol.com

Where did you come from? Are you in need of a researcher?

This link is to Deborah's Historical and Genealogical Research Service business website. Discovering the Past to Connect with the Future! http://hometown.aol.com/ancestorconnect

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Deborah T. in CT